Update (March 31, 2026): The first ACTC refund direct deposits were released on March 2, 2026 for taxpayers who filed early. If you filed in January or February and claimed ACTC, your refund should be in your bank account. If you filed in March or April, your deposit is still on the way — use the updated schedule below to find your estimated date.
The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For tax year 2025, taxpayers can receive up to $1,700 per qualifying child under age 17 as a refund — even if they owe no taxes. This is one of the most valuable credits available to families with children.
2026 ACTC Key Facts
| Credit Name | Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) |
| Tax Year | 2025 (filed in 2026) |
| Maximum Per Child | Up to $1,700 per qualifying child |
| Child Age Limit | Under 17 years old at end of tax year 2025 |
| PATH Act Hold Lifted | February 15, 2026 |
| First Deposits Released | March 2, 2026 |
| Filing Deadline | April 15, 2026 (extension to Oct 15 available) |
When Will I Get My 2026 ACTC Refund? — Updated Schedule
E-Filers with Direct Deposit
| E-Filed Between | PATH Hold / Approved | Estimated Direct Deposit |
| Jan 9 – Feb 3 ✅ | February 21, 2026 | March 2 – March 6 ✅ |
| Feb 4 – Feb 10 ✅ | Feb 24 – Feb 27 | March 3 – March 10 ✅ |
| Feb 11 – Feb 17 ✅ | Mar 3 – Mar 6 | March 10 – March 17 ✅ |
| Feb 18 – Feb 24 ✅ | Mar 10 – Mar 13 | March 17 – March 24 ✅ |
| Feb 25 – Mar 3 ✅ | Mar 17 – Mar 20 | March 24 – March 31 ✅ |
| Mar 4 – Mar 17 | Mar 24 – Apr 3 | March 31 – April 10 |
| Mar 18 – Mar 31 | Apr 4 – Apr 17 | April 11 – April 24 |
| Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 18 – May 1 | April 25 – May 8 |
Paper Filers (Mailed Returns)
| Mailed Between | Estimated Approval | Estimated Refund Sent |
| Jan 9 – Jan 22 ✅ | Mar 6 – Mar 17 | March 13 – March 24 ✅ |
| Jan 23 – Feb 5 ✅ | Mar 20 – Apr 2 | March 27 – April 9 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 19 ✅ | Apr 3 – Apr 16 | April 10 – April 23 |
| Feb 20 – Mar 5 | Apr 17 – Apr 30 | April 24 – May 7 |
| Mar 6 – Mar 19 | May 1 – May 14 | May 8 – May 21 |
| Mar 20 – Apr 2 | May 15 – May 28 | May 22 – June 4 |
| Apr 3 – Apr 15 | May 29 – Jun 10 | June 5 – June 17 |
These are estimates only. Returns with errors, identity verification requirements, or under additional review may take significantly longer. Always check your exact status using Where’s My Refund?
What Do the ACTC Refund Status Messages Mean?
- Return Received: The IRS has your return and is processing it. No action needed.
- Refund Approved: Your return has been reviewed and your refund has been approved. A deposit date will be shown.
- Refund Sent: The IRS has released your refund to your bank. Expect it in your account within 1–5 business days.
If your status shows “Return Received” for more than 21 days after e-filing (or 8 weeks after mailing), your return may be under additional review. Check Where’s My Refund? for instructions, or call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
How to Check Your 2026 ACTC Refund Status
- Go to IRS.gov/refunds (Where’s My Refund? tool).
- Enter your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Select tax year 2025 and your filing status.
- Enter your exact refund amount in whole dollars.
- Click Submit to view your status and projected deposit date.
You can also use the IRS2Go mobile app or call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 (24/7). The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.
Still Need to File? Claim Your ACTC Before April 15
If you have not yet filed your 2025 federal return, the deadline is April 15, 2026. ACTC is a refundable credit — you can receive the full amount even if you owe no taxes. Use IRS Free File if your income is $79,000 or below.